Apply for a Texas Driver's License
If you're preparing to head to your local Department of Public Safety (DPS) to get your driver's license, there are several things to have ready ahead of time. All applications must be done in person at the DPS office, and you will need to bring several documents and information with you. The application form will be available at the DPS office.
Bring with You
In addition to completing the application form, you will need to provide:
- Your full name, address, mailing address (if different than physical residential address), birthdate, and place of birth
- Identification documents, such as a passport or military I.D., or other accepted documents as listed by the DPS
- A Social Security card or other evidence of a Social Security number
- Evidence of financial responsibility, showing you have proper insurance on any vehicle in your name, or a statement that you do not own a vehicle that would require insurance
- A copy of the registration for any vehicle owned, or a receipt for registration issued by the count tax assessor-collector
- A copy of your certificate of completion of an approved Driver Education course
- Your Texas Impact Teen Driver Certificate (you will not be able to take your driver's exam without it)
- Answers to medical questions that are on the application that pertain to your ability to drive safely
- Thumbprints
- A physical description of yourself
- The name of the county where you currently legally reside and your current U.S. citizenship status
- Money for the application and testing fees
- If you have an out-of-state driver's license, you will need to bring that to turn in as well.
Driver Education
Anyone under the age of 25 must successfully complete an approved driver education course, such as our online adult driver ed course. At the end of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion that you must take with you when you apply.
Texas Impact Teen Driver
All students planning to take their driver's exam who are 16 or 17 years old must bring a certificate of completion of the Texas Impact Teen Driver (ITTD) course. This two-hour long course is free of charge, but the certificate is only valid for 90 days. For more information, visit our ITTD page.
Tests
To receive a Texas driver license, you must pass three tests.
Test 1 — The Knowledge Test
Also known as the Written Test, this test measures knowledge of the rules of the road as laid out in the driver's handbook. Successfully completing a Driver Education course exempts you from this test.
Test 2 — The Vision Test
A basic vision test will be performed at the DPS office. You may attempt to pass the vision test without corrective lenses if you wear them normally, but you may be told they are necessary for you to drive if you need them to pass the vision test. If that is the case, you will not be allowed to legally drive without corrective lenses.
Test 3 — The Driving Test
The final part of your driver license application is the driving test, where you will drive your vehicle with a customer service representative from DPS in the passenger seat. Make sure your car has passed a Texas inspection and is legal. The CSR will give you instructions to follow. See our page explaining the details of the driving test for more information.
If you pass the driving test, you will be given your Texas driver's license.